Calories in Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutrition Data & Information
Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites
Ice Cream, So Delicious But Bountiful in Fats
It's it a shame? One cup of the variety we researched contained about 300 kcals, but we've looked at some which hold more than 600 calories per cup. Flavors other than vanilla will likely hold more calories. Chocolate tends to be significantly higher in energy values, particularly when chocolate chips, marshmallow and nuts are added.
The recommended serving size for most ice creams is 1/2 cup so that would equal about 150 kcals. However, there are some very good options at the market these days - but you must be a nutrition label reader to spot the best buys in the area of calories and fat.
For example, our local Brookshires carries a vanilla ice cream that is wholesome and delicious and contains a skinny 110 calories. It's our favorite vanilla ice cream. Another plus is that it makes delicious rootbeer or Dr. Pepper floats. Just a 1/4th scoop and six ounces of regular soda create a delicious treat for about 100 kcals. And on a hot Texas summer day, we can sweat off those calories by sitting on the front porch.
Frozen Yogurt or Ice Cream
Opting for frozen, reduced fat yogurt is an excellent option - but take note that it contains about the same number of energy values as the vanilla ice cream at Brookshires. Again - finding the tastiest, lower calorie options depends much on checking the nutrition labels before purchasing.
Fat Content of Ice Cream
As to the full-blown vanilla ice cream, total fats depend upon the brand purchased. The nutrition facts for the variety we researched contains about 16 grams per cup or about 8 per 1/2 cup recommended serving size.
Nutrition, Calories & Fats in Vanilla Ice Cream
The vanilla ice cream that we researched was not the lowest in nutritional values OR not the highest. It's in the middle of the road and provides a good nutritional picture.
The Energy, Vitamins and Minerals are based on 1/2 cup recommended serving size. Then again, who can stop at 1/2 cup? Most will agree that it's very challenging whether one is dieting, or not...
Calories = 145 kcals. It's so easy to keep going back for seconds, thirds and yes, even fourths. Seconds will bump the caloric value to about 300 kcals. A third round, close to 500 and a fourth round - about 600 kcals. You can enjoy a Mexican meal of one enchilada plus rice and a side of refried beans for that amount of energy calories. OR - a large cheese burger at most fast food joints. OR - a plate of spaghetti and meatballs plus a side salad, plus French bread.
Protein grams are significant due to the dairy ingredients. They equal close to 3 grams.
Fats. While the total fat content equals eight grams, much depends upon the types of fat involved. So let's break that down. We'll begin with Monounsaturated Fat at two grams. Next, Polyunsaturated Fat is not even one-half a gram. Saturated Fat is five grams - and that's the fat to be on the watch for, dieting or not.
So out of the eight total fat grams, a big chunk is saturated. This type of fat, as well as Trans Fat should be very limited in the daily diet because too many can destroy the body's good health. Arteries get blocked over time and the heart strains to function. The bad fats can cause a build-up of fat layers in the upper and lower abdomen. It's just wise to limit the bad fats now rather than later in life. And with that said, one is never to old to strive to obtain a healthier body.
Cholesterol content is thirty-two mg's.
For carb-watchers, carbohydrate content is 17 g. Sugars are 15 grams. There are nutritional notes of iron, copper, selenium, Beta Carotene, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus with 1/2 a gram of dietary fiber benefits.
Calcium content is good due to the dairy ingredients; 92 mg's. Potassium is also good at 145 mg's.
The B-Vitamins are an insufficient amount. On the flip-side, Vitamin A was represented at 304 IU's and Retinol at 84 mcg's. Vitamin A is a group of unsaturated, organic compounds classified as carotenoids which support growth, development of the body, immune system and vision.
In Summary
Ice cream can be added to most healthy diets. Because it is dairy-based, it holds many healthy benefits for the body. The key is enjoying only one recommended serving size - not two, not three and certainly not four. If you do such, you're hips may protest and grow in size in 'sweet' revenge.
And - it's just fun to eat! Particularly on a hot day.